History

The Medal of Honour for Labour from the Ministry of War was created on March 28, 1888. It was awarded until January 15, 1976 when it was replaced by the Medal of Honour for Civil Personnel of the Ministry of Defense.

The Medal was awarded to civil personnel of the Ministry of War for more than 25 years of meritorious and continuous service.

The Medal had four grades. The Bronze Medal was awarded for 25 years of service, the Silver Medal was awarded for 30 years of service, the Gilt Medal was awarded for 35 years of service, the Gold Medal was awarded for 40 years of service. The Silver Medal, Gilt Medal, and Gold Medal could only be awarded to recipients of the previous grade.

There are two different engravings of the medal. Both have an obverse inscription that translates to “French Republic,” and a reverse inscription that translates to “Honour, Labour.” The second engraving was awarded by additional ministries including the Ministry of Armament (MINISTERE DE L’ARMEMENT), the Ministry of Armed Forces (MINISTERE DES FORCES ARMEES), and the Ministry of National Defense (MINISTERE DE LA DEFENSE NATIONALE).